Behavioural genetics

Another area of genetics, which also requires interaction with social sciences, is described as behavioural genetics, where genes have to interact with the environment to produce a particular pattern of behaviour. A number of behaviour genes have been identified in Drosophila involving locomotion (mutants described as sluggish, non-climbing, flightless, easily shocked, etc.) or the sexual behaviour. Similar genes for behaviour may occur in mammals including humans Recently in humans, while studying control of I.Q. (intelligence quotient), it was shown that intelligence is governed by genetics (parentage), environment (adopted parents) and developmental stage (age) of an individual. If there are differences in behaviour governed by genotype as above, this will also lead to differences in the inherent ability to perform well in doing a job. If this is so, this needs to be discussed among social scientists and even among policy makers, who may need to take the inherent differences into consideration when they accept the principle of equal opportunities for all citizens or reservation in jobs for a certain section of society.